How Karen Murray Left Her Company Career And Turned Fivestory Into An Higher-East Siders’ Desire Boutique

Fiercely passionate about the fashion sector — and exclusively classic apparel — Karen Murray acquired Fivestory right after paying a decade in the corporate entire world. She prides herself on curating a selection of exclusive items by illustrious and emerging designers. Not only does the retail store showcase exquisite patterns and just one-of-a-type, vintage pieces from the likes of Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and other legendary maisons, but the architecture of the keep is a masterpiece in itself. She tells us about the vintage and preloved house, which designers she’s loving at the minute, and her enlargement designs. 

Prior to obtaining Fivestory, you have been the CEO of Sequential and prior to that, used about 10 several years at VF Sportswear. What created you want to get on this venture following so significantly time in the corporate planet?

I spent 40 yrs in the corporate environment overseeing men’s and women’s models, surrounded by products and solutions, and the retail globe. My task became much more and far more managerial and more absent from “touching products and solutions.” I desired to go again to manner and create a one of a kind women’s boutique where I was integrally involved in all places of the business enterprise, in particular on the product facet. I wished to supply a purchasing experience to women of all ages that has new and rising designers, mixing outdated and new in a very unique multi-brand shop that I didn’t assume existed. 

You are a collector of substantial-conclude vintage vogue. What do you like about it? 

I have always appreciated the styling, materials, and design of vintage style. I go to as lots of classic displays and fairs as I possibly can, collaborate with costume designers, and hand-choose merchandise from friends. 

What made you want to develop Fivestory into the classic and preloved room?

Classic vogue has been a significant component of Fivestory since I purchased the store in March 2020.  I often had the intention of carrying recent and new emerging fashion designers and introducing a classic pre-liked selection. It has turned out to be incredibly profitable from the commencing in New York Town. I then opened the shop in Southampton with the identical thought and will proceed with Palm Seaside, opening Thanksgiving weekend.  

Your shop on Madison Avenue is renowned for its household fashion and sophisticated architecture and design. What was the inspiration guiding the aesthetic?

The shop was a rowhouse constructed in the 1900s. We held the original fireplaces and crown moldings alongside with the palatial metallic gates on the entrance door.  The store has a rotating variety of artwork lining the walls that are also for sale.  

How would you explain the experience of procuring at Fivestory?

It is a hugely curated and experiential retail store, set up with various spaces and distinctive tales to inform. It is dedicated to a different merchandise classification: new and rising designers, vintage and runway manner, components (together with handbags and shoes), jewellery, and dwelling solutions.  

Fivestory is a single of the handful of multi-brand name luxury women’s boutiques remaining in New York City. I really don’t imagine there’s a one shop in New York City that presents existing, new designers, exclusives, pre-owned and vintage. We’re a luxurious retail outlet, but you can get every little thing — from a $5,000 dress to a $60 candle. 

What designers are you usually sourcing from? Any up-and-coming designers that you are loving at the moment?

In addition to the runway favorites, we have a substantial variety of manufacturers with constrained or special distribution, this kind of as TWP, JC Obando, Voranida, Alison Fry, Michelle Farmer, Elyse Graham, Hollow Forms, and Sarah Coleman.

Explain your own everyday fashion.

Coming from a entire world where I wore blazers and trousers all the time, I enjoy to use the makes in my retailer, new designers mixed with recognized and a contact of vintage. I favor coloration vs . black. In the summer season, I appreciate feminine florals. My go-to is still pants and blazers but much more shade, softer materials, and designs.

What has been your pinch-me instant because possessing Fivestory?

My pinch-me minute considering the fact that owning Fivestory is the pleasure I get from helping girls feel great by putting jointly looks for their specific situations, that personalized relationship, and acquiring them experience delighted and fulfilled when they stroll out. I frequently talk to them to ship me photographs from the occasion.

What can we anticipate in terms of growth? Any new outlets on the horizon?

We opened Southampton this earlier summer months, and Palm Seashore is receiving completely ready to open up the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend!